Endemic to coastal areas and islands off the coast of Croatia where the main threat is from over-grazing, especially by feral goats
Distribution
Croatia, limited to the coast and some islands in the Adriatic Sea. Vidacović (1991) mentions it on the islands of Brač, Hvar and Korčula, and on the Pelješac Peninsula.
Habitat and Ecology
This subspecies occurs on rocky coast and offshore islands in poor soil. It only attains modest stature not exceeding 15m probably due to its poor environment and exposure to wind from the sea. It grows generally at higher altitude than Pinus halepensis, which is more strictly coastal.
Human Uses
This is not a timber tree due to its small stature and often poor shape from a forester’s point of view.
Conservation Status
Global status and rationale
Endangered B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)
This taxon occurs on three Croatian islands, none larger than 300km² and a peninsula of similar size. Within these, the stands are again limited, with four locations known on the southernmost island. From this (for lack of herbarium data) it is estimated that both EOO and AOO (and especially the latter) will fall well within the thresholds for Endangered. Decline is continuing because feral goats are still abundant and the habitat is degrading further.
Global threats
Has a limited distribution along the coast and on some islands in the Adriatic Sea and is mainly threatened by habitat degradation. Many areas are seriously overgrazed especially by goats, preventing regeneration.
Conservation Actions
No specific conservation actions have been recorded for this subspecies although problems with feral goats requires some action.
References and further reading
Farjon, A. (2013). Pinus nigra ssp. dalmatica. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 13 July 2013.
Liber, Z., Nikolić, T., & Mitić, B. (2002). Intra- and interpopulation relationships and taxonomic status in Croatia according to morphology and anatomy of leaves. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Polaniae 71(2) 141-147.
Liber, Z., Nikolić, T., Mitić, B. & Satović, Z. (2003). RAPD markers and Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) intraspecies taxonomy - evidence from the study of nine populations. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Polaniae 72(3) 249-257
Liber, Z., Pavletić, Z., Nikolić, T. & Fulgosi, H. (1999). DNA polymorphisms in Austrian & Dalmatian black pine. Wissenschaftliche Mitteilungen aus dem Niederösterreichischen Landmuseum. 12: 53-62
Vidacović, M. (1991). Conifers; morphology and variation. Grafićki Zavod Hrvatske, Zagreb.
